Last year’s Think Pink fundraiser may have saved Brooke Crane’s life.The 39-year-old mother of two heard the main speaker, Dr. Chloe Bird, repeatedly urge the mostly female audience to pay attention if they felt tightness above their bellybuttons and below their chins. Crane, a lifelong Palisadian, took note, but didn’t think it would happen to her.That night it did.“It sort of felt like a fat man was sitting on my chest,” Crane said. “So what did I do? Initially, I just ignored it.”​The timing wasn’t good. Her husband, Bryan, was out of town, it was raining, and she had chores to do like putting her two daughters to bed. In order to go to the emergency room, she’d have to get assistance, including someone to stay with her kids, Carly, 8, and Caroline, 6.However, Bird had insisted that women in particular need to put their health first, and when Crane paused and listened to her body, she felt an “uh-oh feeling.”She had some other issues that had seemed minor: a persistent cough and fatigue plus a small bump on her right clavicle that her doctor had thought was just a swollen lymph node due to a cold. However, when Crane checked in with herself, she felt concerned.“Something wasn’t quite right, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. Bird’s advice: I matter. I deserve to slow down, listen to my body and take action if necessary,” Crane said.It was lucky that she listened. When she and her mother-in-law Janie Crane got to St. John’s Hospital, she learned after a battery of tests that she had fluid around her heart and a mass in her chest. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare blood cancer that accounts for .5 percent of cancers, had struck her.However, Crane caught it in time, beat it with 12 rounds of chemotherapy in a six-month treatment plan, and this year on May 11, was the main speaker at the Irene Dunne Guild’s Think Pink event at the Bel-Air Bay Club.Instead of a doctor offering advice, Crane was able to provide information from the patient’s point of view to the almost 250 attendees who came to learn more about women’s health care.Her top ten “take-aways” from this life-changing experience were:1.) Make the first 48 hours after the diagnosis count. In her case, she and her loved ones channeled their intense emotions into research and calls that created a manageable path for her treatment.2.) Talk to people who have been through something similar.3.) Get multiple opinions. Crane resisted this at first as she immediately liked the hospital’s oncologist. But then she got a second opinion and a third. The third time was a charm. Dr. Lawrence Piro’s treatment plan, which included an ABVD chemo regime that he helped invent, was the perfect match for her and created a less intense path that didn’t require radiation.4.) Be willing to say yes when people offer advice and help, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. For Crane, this meant she accepted private yoga lessons from a mom she’d never met and made new friends who aided her.5.) Give people specific tasks/jobs—they want to help so let them. A friend took over her emails, and another coordinated meals for her. Others regularly accompanied her to chemo treatments.6.) Write a blog or journal—or find some other way to communicate simply with people, so that the task of notifying people of treatment progress is easier.7.) Take control in your own way, and don’t let the disease control you. For Crane, this meant she chose to shave her head whether she would end up needing it or not.8.) Have an open mind—Crane chose to try jin shin jytsu, a helpful acupressure treatment for the pain and nausea of chemo.9.) Have faith in a higher power. Crane said she “chose faith over fear.”And finally, “number 10,” Crane said, “which I learned last year, right here in this room from Dr. Bird, and it probably saved my life: ‘Listen to your body.’”By LAUREL BUSBYStaff WriterBrooke Crane Photo: Glenn Marzano

Gala Chair Judy Beck and Dr. John Robertson, Chairman of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation Board of Trustees welcomed the more than 450 guests. Beck enumerated the work of The Irene Dunne Guild, “supporting Saint John’s Health Center for 27 years with human and financial resources raising critical funds …supporting Saint John’s Emergency Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, the Child and Family Development Center and much more.”

Dr. Robertson thanked the honorees and gala guests as “those who give back to their community because they are compelled by a compassion for others and an honest desire to strengthen their community.” He then welcomed Marcel Loh, Chief Executive of Saint John’s Health Center.

“In 2015,” Loh said, “Saint John’s Health Center was cited as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals, marking the ninth straight year the Health Center has earned this distinction,” leading him to announce the Center’s new branding campaign, “A place you can believe in.”

Dr. Lawrence Piro, President and CEO of The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, presented the 2015 Caritas Award to Wendy Goldstein, executive vice president and head of urban A&R at Republic Records. Goldstein’s focus has cultivated and bolstered the label’s presence within the urban realm. In 2013, she collaborated with Ariana Grande on the conception and release of her full-length debut, Yours Truly, which debuted #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and yielded the #1 double-platinum smash, The Way. Under her tenure, Republic Records signed Bay Area hip-hop sensation Sage the Gemini, soul crooner Adrian Marcel and super producer DJ Mustard. In addition, she handled artist & repertoire duties for Enrique Iglesias, Mika and Colbie Caillat among others. A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists including Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, Florence + the Machine, Godsmack, Gotye, James Blake, Of Monsters and Men, Owl City, The Weeknd and Hailee Steinfeld.

Donna Tuttle presented The 2015 Spirit of Saint John’s Awards to Bruce and Raylene Meyer and Peter and Merle Mullin for their inspirational service to Providence Saint John’s Health Center and its mission. Bruce Meyer is president and founder of the family real estate investment company, Meyer Pacific, Inc. He presided over the Beverly Hills landmark retailer GEARYS for 35 years which remains in the family and is run by his nephew, Tom Blumenthal. Bruce is a long-time collector of vintage automobiles, historic race cars, and motorcycles and is actively involved in the Petersen Automotive Museum where he served as the first chairman of the board and still remains on its board today. He is a past president of the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation.

Raylene Meyer shares in her husband’s passion for family, philanthropy and automobiles. Active with the Los Angeles Music Center, she is a member of the Blue Ribbon and chairs the organization’s 2016 Children’s Festival as well as past president and a current member of the Symphonians. A member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, Raylene has also served on the board of The Costume Council of the Los Angeles County Art Museum and is a member of the board of The Diadames of the Child Care League. A long-time supporter of Children’s Hospital, she has served on the boards of their affiliate groups, Las Madrinas and Children’s Chain.

Peter Mullin is co-founder and chairman of the board of M Financial Holdings Incorporated and chairman of Mullin │ Barens │ Sanford Financial, an independent executive benefits and solutions provider and member of M Financial Group. He serves on the board of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, the Art Center College of Design, Guggenheim Foundation Advisory Board and Occidental College. He is also chairman of the Peter Mullin Automotive Museum Foundation, chairman of the Peterson Automotive Museum and president of the American Bugatti Club.

Merle Mullin holds several board positions including the National Trust of Italy (FAI), the Blue Ribbon of the Music Center of Los Angeles, Diadames, and the Board of Visitors, UC Davis School of Viticulture and Enology. She is a fellow of the Huntington Gardens and Library and director of the Mullin Automotive Museum. The Mullins are proprietors of Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, where they produce outstanding, highly rated pinot noir, syrah, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

The Caritas Gala is co-hosted each year by the Irene Dunne Guild in partnership with the Saint John’s Foundation board of trustees to honor individuals who exemplify dedication and commitment to the community and embody the philosophy and mission of Providence Saint John’s. Net proceeds from the gala benefit vital programs and services at the Health Center. Since 1987, the guild has raised more than $11 million and has supported Providence Saint John’s through a wide variety of innovative philanthropic, educational and volunteer programs and services. The guild was named for the late actress Irene Dunne, considered the “First Lady” of Providence Saint John’s.

“This year’s honorees have not only excelled in their professional arenas, but each made a commitment early on to embrace the spirit of philanthropy and continue to live by that tenet,” said Robert O. Klein, president and CEO, Saint John’s Health Center Foundation. “It would be impossible to enumerate all they have given back to our community, but it is safe to say that each represents the dedication and commitment that embody the philosophy of Providence Saint John’s.”

“I share in congratulating these five extraordinary individuals,” said Kate Prudente, president of the Irene Dunne Guild. “Their myriad contributions toward the betterment of so many lives, past, present and future are emblematic of the goals of our organization.”

Wendy Goldstein, executive vice president and head of urban A&R at Republic Records will be honored with the 2015 Caritas Award. Goldstein’s focus has cultivated and bolstered the label’s presence within the urban realm. In 2013, she collaborated with Ariana Grande on the conception and release of her full-length debut, Yours Truly, which debuted #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and yielded the #1 double-platinum smash, The Way. Under her tenure, Republic Records signed Bay Area hip-hop sensation Sage the Gemini, soul crooner Adrian Marcel and super producer DJ Mustard. In addition, she handled artist & repertoire duties for Enrique Iglesias, Mika and Colbie Caillat among others. A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists including Ariana Grande, Black Sabbath, Florence + the Machine, Godsmack, Gotye, James Blake, Of Monsters and Men, Owl City, The Weeknd and Hailee Steinfeld.

The Spirit of Saint John’s Award will be presented to Foundation trustee Bruce Meyer and his wife Raylene for their inspirational service to Providence Saint John’s Health Center and its mission. Bruce Meyer is president and founder of the family real estate investment company, Meyer Pacific, Inc. Bruce Meyer presided over the Beverly Hills landmark retailer GEARYS for 35 years which remains in the family and is run by his nephew, Tom Blumenthal. Bruce is a long-time collector of vintage automobiles, historic race cars, and motorcycles and is actively involved in the Petersen Automotive Museum where he served as the first chairman of the board and still remains on its board today. He is a past president of the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation.

Raylene Meyer shares in her husband’s passion for family, philanthropy and automobiles. Active with the Los Angeles Music Center, she is a member of the Blue Ribbon and chairs the organization’s 2016 Children’s Festival as well as past president and a current member of the Symphonians. A member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, Raylene has also served on the board of The Costume Council of the Los Angeles County Art Museum and is a member of the board of The Diadames of the Child Care League. A long-time supporter of Children’s Hospital, she has served on the boards of their affiliate groups, Las Madrinas and Children’s Chain.

Peter Mullin and wife Merle will be honored with the Spirit of Saint John’s Award. Peter Mullin is co-founder and chairman of the board of M Financial Holdings Incorporated and chairman of Mullin │ Barens │ Sanford Financial, an independent executive benefits and solutions provider and member of M Financial Group. He serves on the board of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, the Art Center College of Design, Guggenheim Foundation Advisory Board and Occidental College. He is also chairman of the Peter Mullin Automotive Museum Foundation, chairman of the Peterson Automotive Museum and president of the American Bugatti Club.

Merle Mullin holds several board positions including the National Trust of Italy (FAI), the Blue Ribbon of the Music Center of Los Angeles, Diadames, and the Board of Visitors, UC Davis School of Viticulture and Enology. She is a fellow of the Huntington Gardens and Library and director of the Mullin Automotive Museum. The Mullins are proprietors of Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma, where they produce outstanding, highly rated pinot noir, syrah, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

The Caritas Gala is co-hosted each year by the Irene Dunne Guild in partnership with the Saint John’s Foundation board of trustees to honor individuals who exemplify dedication and commitment to the community and embody the philosophy and mission of Providence Saint John’s. Net proceeds from the gala benefit vital programs and services at the Health Center. Since 1987, the guild has raised more than $11 million and has supported Providence Saint John’s through a wide variety of innovative philanthropic, educational and volunteer programs and services. The guild was named for the late actress Irene Dunne, considered the “First Lady” of Providence Saint John’s.

Individual tickets to the Oct. 24 Caritas Gala are $500 and sponsorship packages are available. For more information, please contact Tess Csiszar at Saint John’s Health Center Foundation at 310-829-8168 or email at Tess.Csiszar@stjohns.org.

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA - The Irene Dunne Guild hosted their 10th Anniversary Think Pink for Women's Wellness event at the Bel Air Bay Club with a sold out crowd. The event featured morning educational sessions on various health topics and a keynote address presented by notable speakers:

There was also an extensive shopping boutique with a large selection offered. A portion of all boutique proceeds benefits the Guild's Patron Drive Fund, used to support programs and equipment in departments throughout Saint John's Health Center. To date, the Guild has raised over $900,000 with their annual Patron Drive Fund for the benefit of Saint John's.

Think Pink for Women's Wellness, an Irene Dunne Guild annual event, focuses on health education and awareness for women and their families. Always held near Mother’s Day, this year’s Think Pink date is May 13, 2015 at the Upper Bel Air Bay Club.

Featuring morning breakout sessions with notable doctors and speakers, the event culminates in a wonderful luncheon and keynote speaker presentation. Hot topics have included Dermatology; Beauty and Aging; Breast Cancer; Children’s Health Through the Years; Fitness for All Ages; Addictions and many more. Boutique shopping is available throughout the event with proceeds going toward programs, equipment and services at Saint John’s Health Center.

For more information or to purchase tickets or a table, please contact us: